Explore the slot canyons in Torrey Pines on this guided tour. Discover spectacular, hard-to-reach areas and take in views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit sandstone slot canyons and wind caves on the trek and stop at a majestic grotto with a waterfall. The hike up can be strenuous at times, but you will be rewarded with stunning views after summiting the cliffs.

Experience the slot canyons during your visit to San Diego
Your guide/photographer will provide photos of the experience
Sunrise, full moon, and private tours are available upon request
Ropes and climbing gloves are provided

What's Included

Ropes and climbing gloves
Free Photos

Bottled water

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Take Torrey Pines Scenic Drive until it flows into a large dirt parking lot. Once in the dirt lot go left towards the ocean. There is a blue/white building on the northwest side. We will meet at my car across from the port-o-pots at 8:20 am. Keep your eye on your text or emails for updates

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Canyoning in Torrey Pines begins when you meet your expert guide in the free parking lot. As an amateur photographer, they’ll give you tips along the way for snapping the best photos, no matter if it’s a daylight or moonlit trek.

But first, you’ll have to earn the incredible Pacific Ocean views with a climb into the slot canyon. Ropes and climbing gloves are included to help you descend into the canyon.

Once you reach the sandy shoreline at the bottom, hike across the secluded beach together to the canyon’s mouth. Make sure you take this walk at a comfortable pace; the hike back up the canyon can be strenuous.

Ready your hands and feet for a climb into wind caves, sandstone slot canyons, and a grotto with a waterfall. Keep climbing and you’ll earn an amazing view from the cliff summit, captured with a group photo.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Angela_G

I would not classify this as easy by any means but the views were great and Victor was an amazing guide. He did a great job helping the group find their way through the tricky sections and shared great history and info along the way. Really great experience, recommend if you’re up for the challenge!

Reviews

5.0

224 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 224 reviews

11 Stars!! In Victor We Trust

Khrysten_G, Apr 2024

We would give more than 5 stars if possible! Victor kept us safe, was knowledgeable and we were completely confident in his ability. It was a little more strenuous than anticipated but Victor was encouraging at the tough points in the climb. Spectacular views made it totally worth it! Highly recommend if visiting the San Diego area. And wear hiking shoes! I wore Keens and was fine but my partner wore Brooks running shoes and wished she had hiking boots/shoes.

Challenging at Some Points But an Outstanding Experience.

Larry_K, Apr 2024

This was a fantastic hike. Very different than any hike I have ever been on - the soil itself was challenging at times but very fun. Our guide was outstanding - one of the very best guides I have ever had. When a particular move was challenging he let us do our best but was always there when we needed a little help with navigating an obstacle or talking us through the way to navigate it on our own. I felt challenged at certain points but never to the point of having a concern. I enjoyed every minute of the hike and felt like I accomplished something that challenged me a bit. This is not your typical walk thru the woods!!

Perfect family adventure!

Shammi_G, Apr 2024

We did this with two teens. It is definitely not a causal stroll but an adventure with breathtaking scenery. Our guide (Victor) was skilled and patient and helped navigate the challenging terrain. Bonus was the pictures he shared with us, a priceless souvenir to remind us of our trip!

Amazing and Invigorating

tiffany_k, Apr 2024

AMAZING! Victor was fabulous! Great invigorating excursion! Victor lead us safely into and out of canyons. He also took pictures for the group. Our group of people was great too esp Matthew!!!

I did it!

Jennifer_K, Apr 2024

This was the perfect adventure for my family! My two sons 12 and 15 loved it and it’s hard to impress them these days! I was scared going in but the guide Victor was reassuring and I was able to do everything which made me very proud of myself. We really loved this experience and would never have experienced Torrey Pines like this without a guide!

What an adventure!

mary, Mar 2024

We were on a girl's trip. It was great fun. Our ages ranged from 52 to 64. It was not a walk in the park, but super fun and exciting. I'm a little scared of heights and I was a little scared on this hike, but it was worth it . The guide was great and the views spectacular. I would recommend this if you are the adventurous type.

Far for different...

Lori_S, Feb 2024

Far for different challenges than expected. Way more than a typical hike. The scenery was amazing...

Amazing

Sara_B, Feb 2024

Victor is amazing! Knows everything about the area and took us on an adventure we would not have done without him. Loved it!

Loved It

Alexandra_S, Feb 2024

Had so much fun doing this hike. such a memorable experience. I would totally recommend this for anyone to do when visiting San Diego. Probably one of the more fun things I did during my visit.

Guide was awesome....

Kelly_W, Feb 2024

Guide was awesome. Beautiful hike and views. My son and I had a great time but it was harder than I thought it would be!

Adventure

Katie_S, Dec 2023

Great experience! It is a beautiful, fun hike through the canyons. You get a bit of adrenaline going throughout the hike with rope climbing, walking through the canyons. Would definitely recommend.

Don't hesitate, if you like adventure, sign up!

Alisa_L, Nov 2023

This is such a FABULOUS hike it's hard to put into only a few words. Victor was amazing. The views were stunning. You do get dirty so plan accordingly. It's not just your regular 'ol hike, it's a "get on your hands and knees" and have an adventurous spirit hike. Wear footwear w/good tread. We took a backpack with a water bottle, you don't want to carry stuff in your hands. Victor took lots of photos so we didn't have to worry about it and e-mailed them over later that same day. Absolutely would recommend.

More than a hike

Marcia_S, Nov 2023

This was truly an adventure and definitely more than a hike. Being a regular 'hiker' I was able to keep up; however, it did challenge me (heights, balance, strength and agility). That said, I was in awe of everything I saw during this adventure. My tour guide was very attentive and provided welcome support throughout the journey. If you are up for the challenge I highly recommend it!

Great hike!

Stephen_H, Nov 2023

Victor was a great guide and shared a lot of helpful local knowledge. I did not find the hike too strenuous (some reviews had warned of this). But it is “technical” meaning there are some steep and tricky parts. Great views and features!

I’m extremely hard to please

Katie_B, Oct 2023

Wow just wow the instructor has spent years making the hike eventful a little sketchy at time lol but a MUST do when you’re visiting CA. He has a passion like no other and genuinely cares about making everyone’s experience enjoyable. It is guaranteed to be the best thing you will do when you’re visiting San Diego!

Fun Adventure

Andrew_E, Oct 2023

Be prepared for an adventure! Wear good hiking shoes and be ready to get dirty/sandy. A fun way to see the area that you would never be able to do on your own. Would recommend for the views especially!

Interesting and multifaceted trip

Erin_A, Sep 2023

Great dive into San Diego's cliffs and beauty. Rigorous hike on the hidden gems of the coast. Tour guide , Victor was experienced and knowledgeable

Book it!

Amanda_F, Sep 2023

Loved it! Beautiful views, awesome informative guide! He takes the pics for you so you can keep your phone away!

Great adventure!

Angela_G, Sep 2023

Have to do it!!

Bill_H, Aug 2023

Definitely a to do list. It is strenouse in certain areas. You do have to go down a short rope and you are hiking down and must come back up. Is it all worth it YES!! TRY IT!! You will be glad you did!!

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